MEXICO CITY -- Club America winger Renato Ibarra was formally charged with domestic violence and "attempted femicide" on Sunday after an alleged assault on his pregnant partner.
Ecuador international Ibarra was taken into custody last Thursday night and, following the initial hearing, will be transferred to the Reclusio Oriente prison in Mexico City while evidence is gathered for the next hearing on March 12.
Ibarra, 29, wrote on Twitter that the allegation he had hit his partner was "absolutely false," while Club America released a statement indicating it is aware of the ongoing investigation and stressed its "total commitment to eradicate any type of gender violence."
Ibarra is one of five people charged with attacking his partner, Lucely Chala, and her sister, Karen Chala. He was arrested at a house in an exclusive residential zone to the south of Mexico City on Thursday night.
Chala was hospitalized after the attack and left hospital on Saturday afternoon in a wheelchair.
Ibarra has asked for assistance from the Ecuadorian embassy and was taken in handcuffs to Reclusio Norte prison on Saturday for Sunday's hearing.
Ibarra joined Club America from Dutch club Vitesse in 2016. He has not played for the Liga MX side this Clausura season due to a right adductor injury suffered in December.
Chala's lawyer, Renato Chavez, confirmed that his client is talking to Ibarra's lawyer about agreeing to a settlement outside of court.
Ibarra's hearing on Sunday was the same day as a massive march against gender-based violence took place in Mexico City. A nationwide work strike by women is planned for Monday.
